High & Low

Highlight of my day: Hanging out with the kids of the children's home in Pachacamac!

My friend Leo {whom I met on my first trip here in 2007} picked me up at noon to take me to the children's home. After stopping {and waiting} at the hospital to pick up his pastor and wife to take them home, we headed to Manchay to drop them off. Then we stopped for lunch at a seafood place in Manchay, and then we headed to the children's home. We arrived around 3. Some of the children were in classes, but the ones who were able to play ran up to me and smothered me in hugs and kisses. They asked to be pushed on the tire swing, swung around by the arms, and we ended our time playing soccer {might I add that I am no pro soccer player}. At 4:30 I said goodbye, we headed to wash Leo's car, pick up his clothes, take his nephew home, and he got me a cab to bring back to my house. I was grateful for his willingness to let me tag along with him today. :-)

It is so fun that the kids recognize me year after year. They grow and change so much in 11 months! I had to laugh today when I got out of the car and one of the 7 year old girls asked if Leo was my husband. I quickly explained that we are just friends! :)

Lowlight of the day: Cancelled plans with friends...

...and not being able to get ahold of my dear friend Teresa who I had told I would call if my other plans didn't work out {because I suspected they wouldn't}. I had tentative plans to go to the movies with some friends tonight, but nothing was ever set in stone.  Teresa and I had planned to go to the beach tonight should the other plans fail. Instead, I sat home and relaxed because I could not reach her. It was nice to relax a bit, but it would have been more fun to go to the movies or the beach.

Other Random Noteworthy Items

The place I'm staying has filtered water, so I don't have to buy large bottles of it to drink. That saves me money.

I was told this place was built with "large" pipes, so I can flush my toilet paper. However, this causes problem when I go other places because I tend to forget I can't flush it. It's easier when it's all or nothing. Haha :)

I bought a few groceries on Tuesday when I arrived, and I've not touched any of them. Shows you how much I eat in while I'm here. Honestly, it's cheaper to eat out. (8 soles = $3 for a sampler platter of rice, fried seafood, potatoes, and ceviche: more food than you'd get a Red Lobster!)

I'm glad I bought new TOMS before I left. The closest place to get a taxi is about 3 blocks from my house, the grocery store/bus pick up/drop off is about a 10 minute walk, and this morning I went for a 25 minutes walk around the neighborhood just for fun. I wish I walked this much in the States. However, there it's easier to just hop in the car and go...sadly.

Let me leave you with a question...

I had a conversation with a friend last night who asked me what our culture was like. I wasn't sure how to explain it. How would you explain the American culture? Answer me in a comment below, please :) {I'll post more about our conversation at a later time.}

Day 4 - Health

Please, please, please be praying for my health. Yesterday, I woke up with a horrible headache and my stomach was unsettled. I was supposed to meet a friend at 11, but I decided to sleep in a little bit longer and ended up meeting with her at 1pm. After a bit of rest yesterday morning, I was feeling a bit better, but still all day I lacked much of an appetite all day. I normally don't have problems adjusting to the food here, and my allergies don't bother me near as much. I'm not sure what is going on. Praise the Lord that I do feel better today; it seems that I can't get enough to eat. Haha! Prayers would be appreciated.

Yesterday I spent the afternoon with my dear friend Teresa. Her mother fixed lunch, and we ate with her mom and sister (who is visiting from France). I really enjoy her family, and they make me feel right at home. Afterwards we went to the U.S. Embassy to see what Teresa needs for a VISA for a job she is applying for with LAN Airlines. Right now she is out of work, so please pray for her to find something. Her last job was not paying her as they said they would, so she left. A lot of the job market is corrupt here from what I understand. As they were explaining to me, sometimes the jobs don't pay you at all, and other times they can't pay you in full what they owe you for your work. The pay is not high for most jobs either.

I had Pinkberry ice cream yesterday for the first time. It is an ice cream chain similar to Honey's in Goshen or Sweet Cece's if you've ever been to Nashville. The only difference really is that they serve you rather than you serving yourself, and there is a set price for each size with and without toppings.

Last evening I went to Camino de Vida {the church that has become my regular church here}. It was good to be back, to see some familiar faces, and to worship the Lord through song. I miss singing in Spanish when I am in the States, but I like hearing sermons better in English than in Spanish. I don't mind them in Spanish, and it helps me to learn and focus on the words, but in English I am able to take notes without worrying about possibly missing the next thing the pastor says.

Today I'm headed to Pachacamac to play with some adorable children! Leo is taking me there, and I'm going to attempt the bus home. I've only done it with other people, but Juan Carlos told me an easy/safe way to return home; however, he wasn't sure how to tell me to get there. Usually if I can do it returning home, I can do it getting there the next time. I'm not sure why I'm like that with the busses here; it seems a bit backwards!

Let me leave you with a verse ~ Romans 9:16

It {salvation} does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.

Ramblings of Day 3 (and a few omitted from Day 2)

Taxi Drivers

I forgot to mention in my last post the crazy taxi drivers I had on Tuesday as I arrived at my various friends' homes. The first taxi driver I had was listening to a Peruvian radio station when I got into the car, but being a young(er) man, he promptly changed the station to English when I got in. I had to chuckle to myself as he sang the wrong words, very loud, and off pitch. He then missed a turn I told him to take and in the end when he got turned around to where we were headed, he charged me 3 soles more because it was further than he thought it would be. (I was told he had already ripped me off charging me 8 soles when it should have been no more than 6.) Ten soles and a bit of frustration later, I arrived at Gisell's house. Later on the way to Teresa's home, I got in a taxi with an older man who was listening to awful classical music. I could have handled it better, but he was playing it so loud that when I received a call, my friend on the other end couldn't hear me over the music. Lastly, as I arrived home, I again was in the taxi with an older man. He was quite the talker, and he asked me where I was from and why I was here, told me about his brothers in California, and attempted to teach me Quechua (another language spoken in the mountains of Peru). We also chatted about missions and why church and Christianity is so important to me. Because we were laughing and having a good time, I didn't pay attention to where my road was, and he passed it. Thankfully I realized it another block down the road, and he turned around and went back...free of charge might I add. He asked if I would take his email address and email him because he had some more questions about Christ. I haven't emailed him yet, but I do believe our paths crossed for a purpose last evening.

Mission Trip

My friend Leo asked me last evening if I would want to/be able to go with a medical team July 9th-17th to the highlands of Peru and translate for a doctor. Leo told me I could go free of charge, and I decided I would assist. I would like to ask for prayer as I am nervous about not knowing medical terminology, and I don't know any others going on the trip apart from Leo. The team is coming from the States, so at least we'll have that in common, but I don't know how many, males/females, ages, etc. I do believe, however, that this trip is in the plan of the Lord for me this summer. It will be a very new experience for me, and I know it will stretch me a lot. It will be a mission trip like none I've done before, but I trust the Lord will be with me through it all. Your prayers are much appreciated before and during this trip.

What I Did Today

Today, I was able to go to Manchay to spend time with the kids at the Family Center (a part of Kids Alive here in Lima). I helped with the 2 & 3 year olds mainly to spend time with my dear friend Mary, a  teacher whom I have grown very close to during my trips down here. Mary is a very grateful and humble woman. She is so encouraging and a woman of extreme faith. I have learned so much just from her character, and I am grateful to be able to spend time with her year after year.

There are a few interns here with Kids Alive that I was able to connect with briefly today. I exchanged phone numbers with one of the girls, and I believe I'm going to take them around Lima on Monday. That should be fun!

This evening, I went to dinner with my dear friends Javier and Nilton. We had Chifa (Peruvian Chinese), and sat and talked for a few hours. I love reconnecting with old friends here. It always seems we are able to pick up right where we left off the year before. Of course, the two of them together is a crazy combination, but at least they make me laugh, and we had a great time together!

Upcoming Event/Prayer Requests

My trip to "La Merced" at the edge of the jungle this weekend has been cancelled. I'm beginning to think that it's not meant for me to go to the jungle because it never seems to work out for me to go. However, this weekend is quickly filling up with things to do, so I was slightly relieved to not have to decide which was more important for me to do.

Next weekend (July 6-8) I plan to travel with Teresa and her family 5 hours from Lima (on the coast still though) to camp. We will be staying at a country club where there is lots to see and do. Pray for me as I prepare for this time with them. 

I'm attending a Medical Mission Trip to Juaraz July 9-17. Pray for my nerves leading up to the trip and safety and knowledge while on the trip. (See above for more information.)

Surfing Camp Outreach {July 20-22} - Some friends are planning to help with this outreach and have asked that I attend. I haven't decided for sure that I will, so pray for clarity as I do make my decision. 

This month is filling up fast. It's hard to find time to go to Pachacamac to the orphanage to see the children, but I am hoping to go at least once next week and a few times after I return from Juaraz. I will also be helping in Manchay a few days a week. I love being here, but it's just so much to pack into a short amount of time.

Continue to pray for my safety and my health while I am here, also. My stomach has been a little off since I arrived, but it's nothing to stop me from doing what I love. I miss you all back home who are reading this. 

Mom and Dad, everyone asks how you are and when you are coming! I think it's time for you to make a trip down here :)

Dios es Fiel! ~ Days 1 & 2

God is faithful!

It's amazing how the Lord is able to set my mind at ease as soon as the plane lands in Lima. Monday was a long day. With no time to sleep Sunday except a quick 30 minute nap at 11pm, I was exhausted as I boarded the plane in Chicago at 3 a.m. We left promptly and arrived in Guatemala City on time; however, the sky was overcast, so we taxied in the air for approximately 45 minutes. The pilot came on and told us if we couldn't land in the next 15 minutes he could continue on to El Salvador and land there. You can only imagine how my stress level rose and I begin to plan out how I am going to reroute my flights, how I can contact Leo (my ride) to tell him I may be arriving in Lima late, and how I would catch my next flight should we land in Guatemala as it was scheduled to leave in 20 minutes. Finally, we were able to land in Guatemala City, and I was praising the Lord that it was a small airport. I, along with 4 others from my flight, rushed through security and on to our gate where we rushed aboard the plane, only to have the doors shut behind us. My other flights went smoothly to Costa Rica and then to Lima. We arrived in Lima 15 minutes early even, and Leo was there to pick me up. The Lord is faithful!

As we flew over Peru and I began to recognize the territory, my stress from flying and anxiety over what these 5 weeks would have in store was quickly transformed to excited and pure joy. I began to imagine who I wanted to see, what foods I wanted to eat, and places I would like to visit. I realized that all of my fear was from my person, but the Lord provided me joy and gratitude.

Upon arriving at the mission house, I took a moment to just sit and relax before showering and unpacking my bags. My cell phone chip had expired (they only last 2 months when not being used apparently), so after a little bit of chill time, I walked 10 blocks to the grocery store where I could buy a cell phone chip and start connecting with friends. After walking the 10 blocks back "home", I decided to contact a few friends, and went to bed shortly after. 

Tuesday I slept in, and then I organized a few items and off to the store I went to buy only enough groceries so that I could carry them back. I didn't want to pay a taxi to carry me 10 blocks home. Later in the afternoon, I went to my friend Gisell's house (you may remember her as the girl I went to Cuzco with last year), and later I spent time with my dear friend Teresa and her family. 

When I arrived at Teresa's house, I felt right at home as her father said, "Que bueno verte hijita!" (How great to see you daughter!) The rest of her family greeted me with strong hugs and kisses (as is custom here). Her family is wonderful, and I enjoy the time I am able to spend with them.

After returning home last evening near 12:30 a.m. I chatted with a few friends to make plans for day 3, and headed to be shortly after. I slept soundly, free of fear and anxiety, and excited to see how the Lord will direct my path this month. Already I can see his hand at work in my time here, and I am thrilled to see how he will use me. There's never a dull moment here, and while many days I feel exhausted, I love being here and the company I am surrounded with.

So here's to 33 more days in Peru! I know it is going to pass faster than I can even begin to imagine. Already my schedule is filling up!

Inside my head...

is a scary place to be!

I'm leaving tomorrow; heading to Chicago around 5 p.m. with my parents, and hopping on a plane to Peru at 3:05 a.m. Monday morning. Actually, I probably won't be hopping at 3 in the morning, but rather, I'll be lugging my carry-on bag behind me as I groggily trudge my way to my seat where I intend to sleep during the 3 hr 20 min flight to Guatemala City. 

Considering that I'm leaving tomorrow, how do you suppose I spent my evening? If you guess packing, you are incorrect. Cleaning? Wrong again! Hanging out with friends? Nope! If you know me well, you can imagine that my bags have been neatly packed and weighed to their exact limits and sitting near my door since Thursday evening. The cleaning was completed earlier this afternoon, and my good friends all live too far away to hang out with on a Saturday evening. This evening, I spent time by myself reading, watching television, and relaxing. Actually, I take that back; while pretending to do said things, my mind was wandering to thoughts of the next five weeks and how things will go.

"Just remember what made you love Peru in the first place!" 

This is from a text my best friend sent me tonight as I expressed to her the anxiety I feel. I know this year will be different, but then again, every year is different than the one before it. People change, life moves on, and the past has passed. I don't know what to expect when I arrive in Peru this summer. I don't know what to expect when I leave Peru at the end of July. All I know is that I must focus my thoughts on the greater purpose for which I am there. 

I fell in love with Peru not because I had friends there or because it was a beautiful place to be. I fell in love with it because the children touched my life in a way I will never forget. I fell in love with Peru because that was where I felt the presence of the Lord in my life more than I had ever felt it before. I fell in love with Peru because it was there that God opened my eyes to a whole new world outside of my bubble back in Indiana. It was Peru that taught me to be vulnerable, to love like Christ loved me, and to live in complete faith. In Peru I learned to try new things, to be adventurous, and to live each day to its full potential. It was in Peru that I truly learned the Spanish language and began to understand the difference between American culture and Latin culture. It was in Peru that the Lord shaped and molded me to have a passion for missions. 

Peru has played a major role in my transition from college into adulthood, but I cannot give the credit to a perishable item. God is the one who caused the growth and change I went through because of the missions I was able to attend to Peru. God is the one who has a greater purpose for my life than I realize, and it just so happens that He used Peru to ignite a spark deep within me. To God be the glory, not myself or Peru. 

I'm nervous to leave tomorrow; I can think of many other things I could do with my summer instead. However, I realize that God isn't quite ready to end the story of Peru in my life. Honestly, I don't think He will even end it after this trip, but I do think He's ready {as am I} for the end of one book and perhaps the start of a second. Will I return to Peru? I hope so! Although, for whatever reason, I don't think it will be for at least a few years.

Don't take this wrong. I'm not giving up and deciding to remain here in northern Indiana for the remainder of my life. Missions is still a huge desire of mine. However, I realize that my debts must be paid before many organizations will even consider taking me on as a missionary. I trust that the Lord is preparing the way, and all He has asked is that I be obedient to His way. I'm excited to see where the Lord leads me in the coming years!

Please pray with me as I once again journey to Peru {a land foreign to many of you}. 

While I'm in Peru:

Some pictures will be posted here, but the majority will be on Facebook.

I have a personal {texting only} US number that can be used to keep in touch with me. If you would like that number please let me know! I cannot receive calls, and can only respond when I have wi-fi, but I will do my best to respond as soon as possible.

Email: jessica.oconnor86@gmail.com
Skype: jessrenee1986

Late Night Musings

Despite my exhaustion, I am finding it difficult to sleep. My mind keeps replaying the events of last weekend in North Carolina and then wandering to thoughts of my upcoming trip to Peru. This summer has already been a blast, Peru will be fun, and when I come home, it will be time to dive back into prepping and planning for a new school year. It seems crazy!

Last Saturday my dear friend Liz got married on the beach in North Carolina. It was a simple wedding, yet it was beautiful as well. I drove down on Wednesday with three of my college friends, and we were reunited with eight other dear friends on Thursday and Friday. It was so fun to hang out with everyone. We laughed, we danced, and we slept very little. The exhaustion that I feel is totally worth the joy that I felt hanging out with my best friends on the beach all weekend. I was sad to say good-bye, but I'm thrilled that the next reunion is another wedding planned in Nashville in early January. Let the countdown begin!!

As I unpacked my suitcase this evening, I was overwhelmed with nerves and excitement for my fast approaching return to Peru {June 25-July 30}. I get this way every year, but this year seems different. A lot has changed since my visit last summer both in my life and in the lives of my Peruvian friends. For me personally: I have my own apartment, I've found a church I love, I've made new friends, and I've found a sense of contentment here I haven't felt in a while. In Peru my friends are graduating university, working, dating, traveling, and who knows what else. This year will be different.

In the last three months the Lord has really been working on my heart and mind (not that He doesn't all the time, maybe I'm just paying attention more now). Peru will always hold a special place in my heart, and I still do long for the opportunity to return to Peru to work in ministry of some form. However, I am realizing that at this time that isn't God's plan for my life; it has been my plan all along, my dream, and my desire. God has provided amazing opportunities for me to return to Peru for short visits, but His intentions for me at this time are not long term; perhaps that will change later in life.

With that being said, I'm viewing the summer in Peru as my time for closure. I will use my time to enjoy the friends I've made and the ministries that I've been a part of, but I will not use it to meet with principals and scout out schools as I've done in the past. I'm sure it will be hard saying good-bye at the end of my five week visit, but I can honestly say that I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God has me right where He wants me for the time being. It's exciting to feel that sense of peace, but at the same time a part of me is still wanting to hold on to my dream of "getting out of this town". Maybe one day I'll get that opportunity; for now, I'll enjoy the mini vacations I'm able to take.

If you would, please join me in prayer as I prepare for my departure Sunday evening. It seems that there is lots that needs to be done before I go. Also pray for my time in Peru. Pray that I would be a blessing to the Peruvians and that I would get the closure that I need as I say hello and good-bye to friends who have become like family. At this point, I am not planning on returning next year {I hope to pay down on my college debt instead}, so leaving at the end of July could be tough. Please pray for my safety traveling, pray for my health as I deal with different climates and air than I'm used to here in the States, and pray for my ministry, that I would joyfully spread the good news of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to the Peruvians I am in contact with.

I will be posting contact information soon for all of you! Look for those details in my next post :)